Volunteer Highlights

Zane Blechner was recognized as Champion of the Week. Read more about the wonderful story he told: The Champion. Zane, we appreciate all the time and passion that you put into your service to the refugee community.  We are very lucky to have you!

Program Statistics

• Over 900 community members volunteered with RRISA over the past year.

• Local schools, faith-based and civic groups gain a better understanding of refugee resettlement through hands on activities.

• Volunteers log over 12,000 hours of service each year.

• Donations of goods, volunteer time, mileage, and services are often doubled through a federal matching program.

 How to Get Involved

• Volunteer as an individual or get a group together. Plan a day of service with your classmates, colleagues, book club, teammates, faith-based group or civic organization.

• Email marykathryn@rrisa.org for more information!

   

 

RRISA offers many volunteer opportunities for individuals and organizations

Here at RRISA, there are plenty of ways to get involved. From making a donation to helping teach basic computer skills, RRISA depends on dedicated volunteers to be a part of a successful resettlement journey. There are volunteer opportunities in our resettlement, youth/education, employment, and social adjustment, and immigration departments.

Volunteers are required to attend a volunteer orientation, submit a volunteer application and pass a background check prior to volunteer service.  As a small organization, RRISA also asks volunteers to submit $20 to cover the cost of the background check.

Our next Volunteer Orientations are:

June 7, 2013 at 1 p.m.
July 2, 2013 at 3 p.m.
July 17, 2013 at 1 p.m.

Please email marykathryn@rrisa.org to sign up.
 

Volunteer opportunities include:

MARTA Mentor
Flexible days and times
Help clients learn the MARTA bus system by accompanying them on a route across Atlanta!

Employent Services
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Assist clients with resume building and interview skills practice.

Front Office Greeter
Mornings on Tuesdays or Thursdays
Welcome and direct clients who come to RRISA for appointments.

Clothing Closet
Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays
Inventory donations, sort clothing, and organize items.

Citizenship Tutoring
Flexible days and times, as needs arise
Help clients prepare for U.S. Citizenship test by tutoring in English and Civics/History.

Administrative Support
Monday - Friday between 9 and 5, flexible
Assist RRISA staff with filing and other clerical work as needed.

Apartment Set-up
Mornings on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays
Assist in loading, unloading and organizing furniture and household items in apartments for newly arriving refugees. (Heavy lifting required)

After-school Tutoring
Only available during school year. 3 month commitment required
Monday - Friday 3pm-6:30pm
Build relationships with middle school students by helping with homework assignments, participating in recreational activities, supporting acclimation to American culture while being a positive role model in their lives.

Interpretation
Tuesdays, Thursdays 9am-Noon (and as needs arrise)
Provide clients with interpretation services for health orientation, cultural orientation and job interviews. Key languages include: Burmese, Karen, Arabic, Bhutanese, Somali, Chin, Tigrinya, and Amharic.